F/A-18 Super Hornet

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet (Block III)

The combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft delivers cutting-edge, next-generation multi-role strike fighter capability, outdistancing current and emerging threats well into the future. A true multi-role aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum including air superiority, day/night strike with precision guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and buddy refueling.

Best Capability for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force

One look at the decks of United States Navy's aircraft carriers and the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet and you’ll see advanced, combat-proven strike capability. The Super Hornet is THE multi-role solution for the US Navy and international air force customers. The Royal Australian Air Force operates 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers.

With its advanced survivability, continuous evolution and being the least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind; the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver on India’s need for a carrier and land based multi-role fighter.

As a true multi-role aircraft, the Super Hornet is highly capable across the full mission spectrum and can perform virtually every mission – including air superiority, day/night strike with precision guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. It has the right level of stealth, the right sensors and the right number of missiles for the Indian Air Force’s missions.

Boeing has also completed extensive analysis and testing on F/A-18 Super Hornet’s compatibility with Indian carriers. Results show that the Super Hornet is capable of launching off a ski-jump carrier and could be operated from Indian carriers with a meaningful fuel and weapons load.

Latest Generation of Technologies: Best Path to AMCA

The Super Hornet brings the latest generation of technologies to the warfighter. The AESA radar is an exponential leap in technology that will be needed for current and future missions. The Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared system, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, Multifunctional Information Distribution System, advanced high capacity computer system, and state-of-the-art cockpit provides the warfighter with intuitive situational awareness and capability now and far into the future.

With designed-in stealth and robust capability growth plan, the Super Hornet is the best aircraft to get to India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

Made For India; Made With India

In 2018, Boeing announced a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the Super Hornet in India for its armed forces, and pursuing the joint development of future technologies.

Boeing is prepared to bring its global scale and supply chain, its best-in-industry precision manufacturing processes, as well as the company’s unrivaled experience designing and optimizing aerospace production facilities to both expand India’s aerospace ecosystem and help realize the Make in India vision. The approach addresses the infrastructure, personnel training, and operational tools and techniques required to produce a next-gen fighter aircraft right here in India.

Boeing will work closely with Indian industry to ensure they have the very latest technologies, applying lessons learned from the current Super Hornet production line. Boeing has been working with suppliers in India for over two decades in manufacturing, IT and engineering services. Today, more than 160 suppliers provide parts and assemblies covering commodities such as aerostructures, wire harness, composites, forgings, avionics mission systems, and ground support equipment.

Future production of the Super Hornet in India, with Indian partners, will involve maximizing indigenous content and producing the F/A-18 in India for its armed forces, thereby creating a 21st century aerospace ecosystem.